N didn''t spare them another nce as she walked toward the security checkpoint.


    Emerald''s expression darkened, but she controlled her temper. She decided she would deal with N properly once they reached Meristate.


    After passing through security, the three of them waited in the lounge.


    Alexander asionally initiated small talk with N, while Emerald rested, her eyes closed.


    Before long, an airport staff member announced that boarding was beginning.


    They boarded the ne, and after a long, exhausting flight, they finallynded in Meristate.


    As soon as they disembarked, a chauffeur approached to take N''s luggage.


    She followed Alexander and Emerald to a car.


    Another hour''s drive brought them to a grand estate on the outskirts of the city.


    The towering iron gates, adorned with intricate carvings, stood at least four or five meters high-majestic and imposing.


    As the gates swung open, the car drove inside.


    The estate slowly came into view. Its gothic spires pierced the sky, exuding an air of mystery and solemnity. The pointed archways resembled the gaping jaws of a monster, as if ready to devour anyone who dared step inside.


    Noticing N staring out the window, Emerald smirked. "What do you think? Isn''t this ce much better than back home?"


    N turned to her, her voice t. "I don''t think so. Maybe you do."


    Emerald''s face stiffened, her brows furrowing in irritation. She turned away, choosing to ignore her.


    In the front seat, Alexander watched the exchange with amusement.


    It had been a long time since anyone dared to talk back to Emerald. Even the most favored daughter, De, always behaved obediently inher presence.


    It seemed life at the estate was about to get interesting.


    The car came to a stop at the grand entrance.


    Emerald stepped out first, not looking back.


    N opened the trunk and retrieved her own suitcase.


    The driver quickly stepped forward to assist, but she avoided him. "Thank you, but I can handle it myself."


    The driver, a local who was bilingual, understood N and turned to Alexander for confirmation.


    Alexander nced at N''s suitcase—it didn''t seem too heavy-so he told the driver to park the car and take a break.


    Catching up to N, he advised,


    "You


    shouldn''t go against your


    mother at every turn. If you push her too far,


    Twon''t end well for her


    N turned to him. "And if I try to please her, will it change anything?"


    "Hmm... Probably not. She hates it when people try to curry favor with her," Alexander replied.


    N retorted, "Then why shouldn''t I at least make myselffortable?"


    Alexander thought it was a fair point. He had no rebuttal.


    By then, they had entered the grand hall.


    A blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl in an elegant dress sat on a ck leather sofa.


    The moment N entered, the girl''s gaze locked onto her. Her eyes flickered with a sh of jealousy as she took in N''s striking


    resèmnce to Emerald.